ROAD bosses are making more improvements to a notorious stretch of road which has seen many fatal and serious crashes.

The news comes following the inquest into the death of Megan Byrne at which coroner James Newman concluded bad weather and faulty tyres contributed to the crash that killed the 22-year-old.

On February 20, Megan had been driving towards Blackburn on the Grane Road (Elton Road), when she lost control of her Mini while trying to negotiate a left-hand bend close to the Grey Mare pub, Belthorn.

Neither defects in the road nor speed were considered contributing factors in the crash, but Megan’s devastated parents, John and Joanne Byrne, said they would welcome improved traffic calming measures and a design change on the bend to try to prevent future accidents and fatalities.

In a joint statement they said: “If there is anything positive that can come out of this harrowing time it would be that improved traffic calming measures could be implemented or design change/removal of this bend on this notorious stretch of road.”

The parents also made reference to there being two fatal crashes within the last eight months on that stretch of road and one crash in 2018 which left a woman left in a wheelchair.

Mrs Byrne told the Lancashire Telegraph: “These crashes surely justify the need for improvements on that road and our hope is the highways authorities can make satisfactory changes.

“That road has been called ‘the road to death’ for many years, and precautions need to be taken. Chevrons on the bend or something, in the hope it will save someone else’s life.”

In 2017, average speed cameras were introduced on the Grane Road, which had seen two people killed and 118 injured, 13 seriously, since 2010.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: “Every death on the roads is a tragedy and our sympathies are with the family and friends of Miss Byrne.

“There have been two fatal collisions on this road in the past year, and while investigations have not identified any highway issues as a contributory factor, we are due to make some improvements this summer to signs and lines on Elton Road to highlight certain bends.

“We will continue to monitor safety on this road and work with our colleagues in the police to improve highway safety.”

Belthorn councillor Glen Harrison said: “There’s more than one answer to this, and it starts with a reduction in the speed limit, to maybe 30mph, which residents in Belthorn have been asking for for years.

“This, coupled with more visible signage and visible speed cameras, as well as proper enforcement could help prevent further accidents.”

Mrs Byrne also said the family would like to be involved with any vehicle safety campaign to ensure drivers check their tyre pressures and tyre conditions prior to commencing a journey.

The road safety charity, Brake, said it was writing a report on vehicle maintenance and would be happy to work with the Byrnes on this issue.

Joshua Harris, director of campaigns for Brake, said: “This was a truly devastating incident and our thoughts are with all those affected.

“Tragedies such as this illustrate the urgent need to raise awareness about the importance of vehicle maintenance – especially with cars currently granted a six-month MOT exemption due to lockdown.

“We urge all car owners to carry out regular ‘walk-round’ checks of their vehicles, once a week and before any long journeys, including the checking of tyre pressure and tread wear.

“If you have any suspicion at all there’s a problem with your vehicle you should consult a professional immediately.”